T
Tom MLC
Guest
California Highway 1 is world renowned for majestic beauty. Snaking along the coast, literally cliff hugging in some places, this road is motorcycle heaven.
I road it north from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz. There are also other stretches further south, and also north that I hope someday to ride. The run I made was 135 miles long with much to see and do.
Beware. This is not a road for the timid, or novice rider. It was very challenging, with ever changing road conditions. There are places where sand has blown onto the road, lots of falling rock and gravel. The challenging ride is made even more so because it's so easy to get distracted. The views are fantastic. I advise you to pay attention to the road. Pull off at the many vista stops to admire the scenery.
I made the trip in late October, so there were not a lot of tourists. If you go in mid-summer, expect more cars. It will be warmer in the summertime, too (duh). With more daylight time to enjoy the trip. Plan on a full day to make the whole run, as there is so much to do.
One last warning. Only two places to get gas that I know of. Big Sur has a few gas stations, and Gorda has a pitstop. It is very expensive! I paid $4.99 a gallon for premium at Gorda. Fill up before you make the run.
The Hearst Castle is a must see. Plan for a long stop here. You will take a bus tour up to the castle. The tour itself is about 1 1/2 hours. But if you've been riding for miles, this is a perfect chance to rest your buns.
If you like camping, Big Sur is the place. Watch out for old hippies (nothing wrong with old hippies...just a lot of them here). It's so beautiful here. Like a lost world.
Places of interest. Too many to describe them all. Gorda. Nice gardens. Climb down the cliffside, if you're brave. Good chow here.
Morro Bay & Morro Rock was at the start of my run. High class town. All Volvo's, Mercedes, BMW's. Come to think of it...it was the same at Carmel on the other end of my run. I wonder if that is significant?
Many trails to hike. Check the map before you leave. Plan ahead.
Vista stops all along the way. And the friendliest critters I have ever seen. Squirrels will run right up to you, look you in the eye as if to say, "H'lo, whatca got for me?" They'll eat right outa your hand. Gulls, sea lions, whales off the coast.
Want some pics? Here ya go:
http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h113/Tom_MLC/PCH/?
I road it north from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz. There are also other stretches further south, and also north that I hope someday to ride. The run I made was 135 miles long with much to see and do.
Beware. This is not a road for the timid, or novice rider. It was very challenging, with ever changing road conditions. There are places where sand has blown onto the road, lots of falling rock and gravel. The challenging ride is made even more so because it's so easy to get distracted. The views are fantastic. I advise you to pay attention to the road. Pull off at the many vista stops to admire the scenery.
I made the trip in late October, so there were not a lot of tourists. If you go in mid-summer, expect more cars. It will be warmer in the summertime, too (duh). With more daylight time to enjoy the trip. Plan on a full day to make the whole run, as there is so much to do.
One last warning. Only two places to get gas that I know of. Big Sur has a few gas stations, and Gorda has a pitstop. It is very expensive! I paid $4.99 a gallon for premium at Gorda. Fill up before you make the run.
The Hearst Castle is a must see. Plan for a long stop here. You will take a bus tour up to the castle. The tour itself is about 1 1/2 hours. But if you've been riding for miles, this is a perfect chance to rest your buns.
If you like camping, Big Sur is the place. Watch out for old hippies (nothing wrong with old hippies...just a lot of them here). It's so beautiful here. Like a lost world.
Places of interest. Too many to describe them all. Gorda. Nice gardens. Climb down the cliffside, if you're brave. Good chow here.
Morro Bay & Morro Rock was at the start of my run. High class town. All Volvo's, Mercedes, BMW's. Come to think of it...it was the same at Carmel on the other end of my run. I wonder if that is significant?
Many trails to hike. Check the map before you leave. Plan ahead.
Vista stops all along the way. And the friendliest critters I have ever seen. Squirrels will run right up to you, look you in the eye as if to say, "H'lo, whatca got for me?" They'll eat right outa your hand. Gulls, sea lions, whales off the coast.
Want some pics? Here ya go:
http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h113/Tom_MLC/PCH/?
